The council has a duty to protect the public purse and to ensure that where a discount is awarded there is a genuine entitlement to that discount. We are simply verifying that you are still entitled to the discount.
This discount is awarded on your main home - not on second or empty homes.
If someone has left your home for a short period of time or intends to return in the future, you're not entitled to a discount.
How to apply
You can apply for or cancel a single person discount through your My Erewash account
Apply for or cancel a single person discount
Council Tax single person discount review
We know that most people are claiming the discount correctly. However, sometimes people forget to tell us when the number of adults living at their address changes. These changes could be because:
- a partner has moved in
- a relative or friend has moved in
- a child has turned 18
The information you provide relating to your Single Person Discount application will be validated and reviewed routinely. Erewash Borough Council uses third party data to cross reference and validate household composition. If this data suggests that there is more than one adult over the age of 18 (and not a student) resident at the property, further information and evidence will be requested before any discount is granted.
Single Person discount and “disregarded” persons
In some instances a discount of 50% may be awarded, if a person in the household is “disregarded” when determining how may adults live in the property. Disregarded adults are:
- Persons over 18 for whom Child Benefit is still being paid
- Certain school leavers under the age of 20 and who have finished a full-time course between 1 May and 31 October
- People with a severe mental impairment who receive certain disability and attendance allowances and provide Medical evidence
- Qualifying students
- Student nurses
- Certain apprentices with earnings under £195 per week
- Long-term and permanent hospital patients
- Certain people resident in residential care homes, nursing homes or mental nursing home or hostel
- Most persons in prison
- Certain care workers
- All adult residents are severely mentally impaired
If you believe that a member of your household should be disregarded for the purposes of Council Tax you should complete the Discount and Exemption and supply any relevant evidence.
Apply for a Discounts & Exemptions form
You can also cancel a discount or exemption if your circumstances have changed:
Review of Council Tax - Single person discounts
Erewash Borough Council is currently conducting a review of single person discounts granted to residents who live alone. This exercise is being undertaken by Civica on behalf of the Council. Our aim is to provide residents with the best possible service during the review by offering clear instructions for completing the forms that should be returned.
Single Person CTax Review
Questions
Why have I been sent this letter?
How do I complete the form?
Please fill out and return the form to the address at the bottom of the letter, using the envelope provided.
If you are the only adult over 18 occupying your property, simply tick the relevant box, sign and date the form at the bottom and return to the address at the bottom of the letter.
If there is more than one adult living at the property, please provide their name, date of birth, the date on which they moved in and their previous address. If you think they should be disregarded for Council Tax purposes, for example if they are an apprentice or if Child Benefit is still in payment for them, you should tell us why. Evidence may be required such as a bank statement to show that you are in receipt of Child Benefit for the person over 18.
We may need to contact you again for more information so it is helpful if you provide us with an email address or telephone number. Or, if you need assistance with what evidence you may need to provide, please email the Council Tax Review Team at: SPDReview@erewash.gov.uk or phone 0300 373 0619
What happens if I return the form after the 14 day deadline given?
As long as the form is returned within a reasonable amount of time, you will not be penalised. If the form is very late, you may end up receiving a reminder letter. If you do receive a reminder letter, you should complete the form as previously requested.
What happens if I don’t complete the form?
We will assume that your situation has changed and you are no longer entitled to the discount. Your single person discount will be removed and a revised bill will be sent to you.
What should I do if someone is using my address for correspondence only?
Please provide their name and the address at which they actually live so that it can be verified. You can supply more information if you think it relevant to assist your claim.
I have already informed the Council of a change in circumstances. Do I need to complete the form?
Yes. Please include all the details of your current situation.
I receive mail for the previous occupiers; what should I do about this?
You need to write on the envelope that the person no longer lives at the address and return it to the sender.
A friend stays with me three or four nights a week; does this mean I am no longer entitled to the discount?
If your friend keeps their belongings at your house, it will be classed as their main residence and you will no longer be eligible for the discount. Some of the questions we may ask are:
Where does your friend stay for the other nights? If they stay at various addresses but keep their belongings at your property, their main residence would be your address.
What address do their doctor / dentist hold for them? If it is your address, it is their main residence.
Does your friend work away and stay at your address on their days off? Your address would be their main residence.
You should provide as much information as possible – if necessary, you can use a separate sheet. If you are unsure, please email us on the email provided above or phone 0300 373 0619 for advice.
Who are Civica?
Civica provides services in revenues and benefits processing work for many local authorities throughout the country. Civica has a dedicated and specialist team of experienced Council Tax officers to carry out discount reviews. The law allows for the contracting out of Council Tax functions to companies such as Civica.
Why am I being asked to return my information to a Pershore address?
All returned forms are being handled by Civica at their specialist mailing centre at Pershore. The information you provide will be electronically scanned onto your Council Tax account.
What is data matching?
Civica matches Council Tax data with third party sources and specialist validation services. Addresses of those in receipt of a single person discount are passed to Experian who run a search to match other data sources such as the electoral register or credit agreements. Experian then provides Civica with a list of possible adults at the property.
Does it breach Data Protection Legislation?
No. Civica holds the data for the correct purposes i.e. the levying and collection of a tax. The data is held for as long as required then destroyed. No database is compiled that could be shared with or accessed by other bodies or sources.
If you want to view Experian’s Privacy Notice, visit: https://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/privacy.html
What credit information do you hold on me?
Neither the Council nor Civica hold any credit information. If you want to see your credit file, you should contact any of the major credit referencing agencies: Experian, Equifax or TransUnion.